AT&T Execs Discuss T-Mobile Acquisition

AT&T hosted an investor call this morning to explain why its $39 billion planned purchase of T-Mobile USA would be a boon for investors and customers of both mobile service providers. Washington will be looking at the proposed merger closely for any antitrust issues.

In a paraphrased live blog of the call, Business Insider reports that AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said the merger “will improve network quality, will give more customers access to more services,” and it “represents a major investment and commitment to advance America’s leadership in mobile broadband.”

T-Mobile has posted an FAQ on its website. The big question: Is T-Mobile USA getting the iPhone?

Answer:

T-Mobile USA remains an independent company. The acquisition is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months. We do not offer the iPhone. We offer cutting edge devices like the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and coming soon our new Sidekick 4G.

That sounds like a “don’t hold your breath.” To that end, the Wall Street Journal notes that because the deal, should it go through, would take about a year to close, there will be no changes for T-Mobile customers one way or the other in the near future.

“We know regulators will stick with the facts. We’ve studied the law and we’ve studied the facts. And we think this deal can and will be approved. FCC will look at it from public interest, DOJ from competition,” AT&T GC Wayne Watts noted on the call, according to the BI live blog.